7. Nurse Thompson is caring for Mr. Jackson, who has recently been diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Mr. Jackson is curious and concerned about what might have led to his condition. Nurse Thompson prepares to explain to Mr. Jackson, based on her knowledge, the potential factors that might have caused Bell's palsy. What should she include in her explanation?
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EXPLANATION
✔Correct answer:
The cause is uncertain but may involve reduced blood flow, viral infections, or immune system reactions. Bell's palsy is a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. The exact cause of Bell's palsy is not well understood, but it is often linked to viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can lead to inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve. Other potential factors include reduced blood flow to the facial nerve and immune system reactions that result in nerve inflammation.
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls the muscles on one side of the face. When this nerve becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed, it interrupts the nerve's ability to function properly, leading to facial muscle weakness or paralysis. The inflammation may be due to viral infections, which cause the body's immune system to respond, inadvertently affecting the nerve.
Imagine the facial nerve as a garden hose delivering water (nerve signals) to plants (facial muscles). If the hose gets pinched or clogged (inflamed or swollen), the water flow (nerve signals) is disrupted, and the plants (muscles) don't get the water they need, causing them to wilt (muscle weakness).
Nurses should ensure that the Snellen chart is correctly positioned at eye level and the appropriate distance from the patient. The test should be conducted in a well-lit environment, and both eyes should be tested individually and together.
- Educate the patient about the possible causes and reassure them that Bell's palsy is usually temporary.
- Monitor the patient's ability to close their eye on the affected side to prevent dryness and corneal damage.
- Administer prescribed antiviral medications or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and viral activity.
- Encourage facial exercises to maintain muscle tone and improve recovery.
- Provide emotional support and resources for coping with facial changes.
✘Incorrect answer options:
The cause is uncertain but may involve prolonged tissue malnutrition and cellular oxygen deficiency. Prolonged tissue malnutrition and cellular oxygen deficiency are not typically associated with Bell's palsy. These factors are more relevant to conditions involving chronic disease or circulatory issues, not the acute onset of facial nerve paralysis seen in Bell's palsy.
The cause is mainly genetic, activated by exposure to meningitis. Bell's palsy is not considered to be primarily genetic, nor is it commonly triggered by meningitis. While some genetic predisposition might exist, the primary suspected causes are viral infections and immune responses.
The cause is mainly genetic, activated by exposure to neurotoxins. There is no strong evidence to suggest that Bell's palsy is mainly genetic or that it is triggered by exposure to neurotoxins. The majority of cases are believed to be due to viral infections and immune system reactions.
References
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2018). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
- Lewis, S. L., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M. M., & Harding, M. M. (2017). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems. Elsevier.